Disney’s disagreement with Google’s YouTube TV over a new content distribution contract is costing the company an estimated $4.3 million daily in lost revenue, according to Morgan Stanley. That adds up to around $30 million a week as the blackout of channels like ABC and ESPN enters its 12th day, Variety reports. Analysts believe Disney and Google will likely reach a resolution by the end of the week.
The dispute is also impacting Google; a Drive Research survey of 1,100 US consumers revealed that 24 percent have either canceled or are planning to cancel their subscriptions. Over 20 Disney-owned channels went dark on YouTube TV after their contract expired at 11:59 PM ET on October 30th. Google claims Disney is using this channel withdrawal as a “negotiating tactic” and argues that Disney’s terms would increase prices for YouTube TV subscribers. Meanwhile, Disney contends that Google is “refusing to pay fair rates” for its content. During the blackout, Google has been issuing $20 credits to its subscribers, but it remains uncertain whether the Disney-Google blackout or the government shutdown will end first.
